If War was a big band, complete with pedal steel. Or something like that. Joe Ferrara leads this sizable California ensemble through a brassy set of heavy funk that would be the perfect soundtrack for a late 60s psychedelic flick.

The Andretti The Silent Goodbye (self-released)

Actually, I'm pretty sure that's exactly where this is aimed. Ferrara's occasional vocals sound like like a manic Terry Kath, and it's not hard to hear this as a path not taken for Chicago. I dare you to listen to ten seconds of "All the Petty Executioners" and tell me I'm wrong.

The Andretti doesn't stop there, however. These songs take a simple idea and then spin nearly out of control. The mix of band (which is mostly Ferrara) and ample horn section is almost overwhelming. These pieces are over-the-top and nearly breathless in their presentation. Listening is exhausting.

And quite energizing. The mainstream is somewhere beyond the hills. This album throbs and pounds its way into thrilling new lands. Familiar? Ish. Spectacular? Oh, yeah.

Jon Worley